2022 AEV Gladiator Rubicon build

[Flyin6]

This is worse than waiting for Christmas to get the rifle you know your dad already purchased,

Tell me about it
I think I may have this figured out.
To tune/adjust the PCM of my 24 Ram 3500, I need to bypass the security module. I am going to try using that tomorrow to see if that's what is going on. It looks like HP Tuners didn't send me the required bypass cable, and that's what's holding up the process. No clue if the Ram truck cable is the same, but Stellantis products tend to all be similar.

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[Flyin6]

A couple of problems, a mystery resolved, and a correction instituted

So, downloading the stock file should not have been as difficult as it was for me. I did everything the directions called for, though some steps didn't align with reality. I should have known something was amiss.
First, you DO need to wire around the security gateway module. Although my packing list confirmed it was included in the kit, it was not. That was problem number one.
Without the bypass cable, the HP device cannot access the PCM or the TCM.
Once I figured that out after a call with Chris at Ripp, I decided to try using a bypass cable I have on my 24 Ram 3500. Well, that worked, although just getting to the security module is a real PITA.
I did manage to get my bypass cable hooked up, and the HP tuners MVPVI4 communicated, or at least gave me a green light from the vehicle. My instructions told me to download an app called TDN and use it to retrieve the stock vehicle file.
I wrestled with that for a good hour and never got it to communicate with the vehicle.
Another call to Ripp, and we figured out I was using the wrong instructions. I actually had two different instructions...
With that sorted, I downloaded the VCM suite of HP tuners onto my laptop and attacked it once again. This time everything worked, and after 15-20 minutes I had the stock tune copied onto my laptop.
I have since then emailed it back to Ripp. They claim a 24-hour turnaround time, but I got it to them around 1700 on a Friday.
I fully expect not to see anything until sometime Tuesday or Wednesday, at which time I can install the modified files and finally start and drive my Jeep.

 

[Flyin6]

Two words…Adapt and overcome!

A proper Marine would say you missed one item ;-)

 

[RougeShot12er]

A proper Marine would say you missed one item ;-)

Crayon?

 

[Jteakus]

Improvise

 

[Flyin6]

Improvise

Bingo!

 

[Flyin6]

Not letting any grass grow under my feet. Today I'm getting on the front bumper build, which is easily 60% complete. I need that so I have some place to put that big winch that is still connected to my vehicle...and all that so I can drive it!

 

[Flyin6]

I'll toss up some pics of what is currently going on.

First, with the tuning process, it is very important to have everything charged up. I needed a new one, so I opted for this DieHard unit that I scored for around $160 with my military discount.

 

[Flyin6]

I referenced a bypass cable required to bypass the security module. Here is the one I use for my Ram truck. Stellantis tends to standardize things, and this is no exception. It plugged right in, and this particular unit, marketed by "Weekend Garage," adds an extra OBD port, which I successfully used.

I would also like to note that getting to the security module is somewhat easier with the panel removed

 

[Flyin6]

So, onto the bumper. I had it roughly welded, however, I had some sort of a malfunction in the gas flow for my Miller MIG welder. The gas connection slipped, cutting off the gas supply. That causes the weld puddle to bubble, which will likely require grinding and re-welding. I have been working on that process.
Here you see a Barnes Off Road Pritchett Canyon U-Weld-it bumper that is light, strong, and inexpensive.

 

[Flyin6]

Once I had it close, sanded, and cleaned, I applied a liberal coat of self-etching primer.

 

[Flyin6]

Since I did not give this one my "Stacked-Dime" welds, I just ground them down and decided to try something new. Using body filler and a set of rubber gloves, I smeared the polyester material over the welds. I think I'll go for a smooth finish appearance that might last until I push my first Prius out of the way!

 

[Flyin6]

Some shots around the Jeep. Poor thing, it is becoming a garage queen :-(

 

[Flyin6]

Today I moved the ball downfield a tad more.

First I got an email from Ripp asking all sorts of questions to allow them to dial in my initial tune. So, I may only be a day or perhaps two from the startup.

Next I sanded on that body filler on the Barnes bumper for some time. If ever I wanted to rob a bank, today would be the time, since I have no finger prints left. They departed my fingers sometime around mid day and are now pasted to a bunch of #50 and #150 grit sandpaper.

After all that I was left with a pretty good beginning toward the smooth appearance I am shooting for.

 

[Flyin6]

After a cleanup, I sprayed all the areas where I had sanded through with more of the self-etching primer.

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